~ snails in art

(191) NFB NF 181

In the Musée Frédéric Blandin, Nevers, France this decorative plate is present, representing the Descent from the Cross. Jesus is surrounded by the Virgin Maria, Saint John, Mary Magdalena and two angles. This faïence plate is dated from the 2nd quarter of the 17th century [1].

In the left and right borders, two snails may be seen. The left one is quite clearly so, with a light coloured animal (tentacles present?) and a sinistral, yellowish shell with brown marks. The right snail has a white, sinistral shell, while the animal – with two tentacles – is darker. Both snails are thus stylised, likely due to the way of production.